Classical artwork, images of families celebrating a religious holiday over a shared meal, and diverse communities uniting in prayer and pilgrimage are the images which tell the stories of other major religions. But an impoverished Indian woman collecting trash and a priest looking away angrily are the images used to teach about Hinduism.

Demand Equity for Hinduism and India

Hinduism and Indian history are taught to 6th and 7th graders in an outdated, inaccurate, and stereotyped manner. The teachings and histories of other religions are highlighted positively. Hindu teachings, however, are oversimplified and inaccurate. Gender bias, subjugation, and discrimination are ONLY conflated with Hinduism, in spite of their presence in every religion’s history. And Hinduism’s pluralistic ethos, concept of spiritual unity of everyone and everything, and contributions of women are ignored. Textbooks need to be equitable and inclusive, and reflect academically sound content about Hinduism and India.

Protect Children From Bullying

Textbooks that portray all groups accurately and equitably help prevent children from being bullied based on their heritage or background. Accurate and culturally competent textbooks and educational materials are also critical tools for our children’s success in an increasingly globalized and diverse society.

Our Children’s Future is in YOUR Hands: Sign the Petition

Dear Members of the State Board of Education,

We the undersigned write to request fairness and equity in the way Hinduism and Ancient India are taught in comparison to other world religions and civilizations. Hinduism and Indian history are taught to 6th and 7th graders in an outdated, inaccurate, and stereotyped manner. The teachings and histories of other religions are highlighted positively, while Hindu teachings are oversimplified and inaccurate. Gender bias, subjugation, and discrimination are ONLY conflated with Hinduism, in spite of their presence in every religion’s history. And Hinduism’s pluralistic ethos, concept of spiritual unity of everyone and everything, and contributions of women are ignored. Textbooks need to be equitable and inclusive, and reflect academically sound content about Hinduism and India.

Textbooks that portray all groups accurately and equitably help prevent children from being bullied based on their heritage or background. Accurate and culturally competent textbooks are also critical tools for our children’s success in an increasingly globalized and diverse society.

We ask that you approve a K-12 History-Social Sciences Framework that teaches about Hinduism and India in a way that is objective, accurate, and on par with other religions and civilizations.

Thank you.

Sign the Petition for Equity in Education

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Thank you for doing your part! You will receive a copy of the final petition close to the day of the State Board of Education hearing in July. In the meantime, share this petition on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ and ask your friends and family to join the cause for Equity in Education.